Dear Woodinville Bill, Being an old moocher and a die hard direct drive man (hence my handle 5000D)I'll offer up some suggestions; As of last Summer, Penn quit making the 109. I think they still make the 10s? I still have several 109's w/ both steel and aluminum spools. The former are sprung. I simply have changed out parts to have a functional one for my new downrigger. John's in Everett can still rebuild yours if you want to keep it. They have stood the test of time. I would suggest a Shimano Bantam 50 converted to the direct drive option. John Jr. of Johns Sporting Goods of Everett sells these reels for about a $100 and will do the conversion. I have two, one of which I took to Knights Inlet, B.C in 1994 where I caught a 54# and 52# back to back mooching Blatts Bluff. I had these fish on for 1:45 minutes (combined time) in a direct drive mode mooching. I was using Siglon 15# test. The Shimano Bantam 50 did the job. I still use it mooching and now w/my new downrigger. It's been eight years of hard use for both these reels and they haven't been back into John's for a single repair. Now as for my two 5000D's, well that's a different story. Good luck in your hunt for a reel. I can't offer up anything regarding a good rod. I have 'em all but prefer my old G-Loomis and new Lamniglass 9'6" 's.